MUSKEGON — The city of Muskegon has come to a management agreement with the Muskegon Conservation District for Richards Park that should become a “win” for both organizations.

The city will provide the Muskegon Conservation District use of the park — the site of the city’s former sewage treatment plant — for 99 years to allow the district to construct its headquarters and develop public access to the park.

The agreement unanimously approved last week by the Muskegon City Commission provides the city with an organization to improve and maintain the property.

Meanwhile, the conservation district gets an environmentally significant piece of property along the Muskegon River for its headquarters and conservation programming.

Conservation districts are extensions of state government created to serve as local stewards of natural resources.

City of Muskegon officials and the Muskegon Conservation District are exploring ways to restore 14-acre Richards Park. The city recently completed demolition of former sewage plant buildings at the site. The B.C. Cobb plant is pictured in the background. Date shot: 5/12/09.

The city’s Richards Park is at the end of Ottawa Street along the South Branch of the Muskegon River near where it empties into Muskegon Lake. The old sewage plant building has been removed and the unimproved property is accessible to the public.

The agreement spells out the responsibilities of both parties. No money changes hands between the two organizations, according to City Manager Bryon Mazade.

City and district officials began discussing the use of Richards Park in May 2009, and now with a formal agreement the district will proceed with its plans, district Executive Director Jeff Auch said.

“This is just a first step,” Auch told The Chronicle after the commission vote.

The Muskegon Conservation District will complete design plans for a 6,000-square-foot office and development of the property for educational activities including a kayak/canoe launch.

Plans might also include restrooms and space for rustic camping. The property — which is adjacent to the city’s Lakeshore Trail — could become the site of overnight stays for bicycle tours, officials have said. The district has been working with North Muskegon architect Harry Wierenga on the plans.

The Muskegon Conservation District must raise about $1 million to complete its initial plans for Richards Park, Auch said. The district will seek government and private foundation grants, along with conducting a fundraising campaign, he said.

Conservation district officials hope they can relocate to Richards Park by the end of 2011, Auch said. The group currently owns its offices at 940 N. Van Eyck in Egelston Township but needs a more visible site in a central location that could be home to its educational programs, district officials have said.

The 14-acre city park could be expanded in the future as a private donor has sought the purchase of an adjacent 7.5 acres owned by Abonmarche, a Benton Harbor-based waterfront design and development company. If the city is given the Abonmarche site, it would become part of Richards Park that is available to the conservation district, according to the agreement.